[Pubbie]

*Ping*!

*Great* news that Harris is not (Yet) running.

I have mixed feelings about Martinez because I would rather send up a more seasoned Politician like Webster or Byrd.

[Coop]

I like Katherine Harris, but I'm pleased she's (apparently) not going to go for this seat. Let her become a bit more seasoned in the House, and a bit more removed from the 2000 election controversy. (Which should be soundly put to rest for most of America in about twelve months.)

[AuH2ORepublican]

"I have mixed feelings about Martinez because I would rather send up a more seasoned Politician like Webster or Byrd."

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I like Webster, and until I heard that Mel Martinez was reconsidering Webster was my choice. But way back before anyone had announced, Mel Martinez was my first choice, partly because I think he's the only candidate who will certainly beat Alex Penelas (although Webster and Byrd could also beat him). But even if this is not a consideration because Deutsch and Castor appear to be the frontrunners, I think having a conservative Republican as the only Hispanic in the Senate would do wonders for our party, just as it would if we elect conservative Republican Herman Cain in Georgia and he became the only black U.S. Senator.

That being said, I would like some confirmation of Martinez's conservative bona fides. I've heard vague reports of him being pro-life and a fiscal conservative, but if someone has specific info on his stances I think it would be of interest to us all.

[JohnnyZ]

"As chairman, he advocated home ownership programs for low-income families and kept a campaign promise of lowering property taxes."

I think Mel is the man to run and win. We can't blow this senate seat like we blew it in 2000.